2:1 not to come to you again in sorrow Compare 2 Cor 1:23 and note; 7:8–9.

2:3 I wrote While Paul may be referring to 1 Corinthians here, he is probably referring to another letter written between 1 and 2 Corinthians. It is also possible that he is referring specifically to chs. 10–13, a section that corresponds to Paul’s “distressed” and “anguished” description (v. 4; see note on 10:1–18).

2:4 you may know the love Paul emphasizes that he did not write the painful letter to hurt the Corinthian church; rather, he wrote out of love to rebuke the Corinthians toward repentance (7:8–12). He also explains that writing the letter caused him “distress and anguish.”

Repentance

2:5 if anyone has caused sorrow Paul may be referring to the incestuous person described in 1 Cor 5:1–5. He more likely refers, however, to the person who was the focus of Paul’s rebuke in the painful letter (see note on 2 Cor 2:3).

2:6 punishment The Corinthian church previously punished the person Paul rebuked in his “tearful letter.” It is unclear what kind of punishment the church carried out; it may have been a public rebuke or expulsion from the church community. Elsewhere, Paul advises believers to expel an offender so that the offender might repent (see note on 1 Cor 5:13). Whatever the individual’s punishment, Paul describes it as “sufficient.”

2:7 rather forgive Since the punishment was sufficient, Paul encourages the Corinthians to forgive the offender and restore him back into the community.

and comfort him See note on 2 Cor 1:3.

2:8 I urge you The Greek word Paul uses here is parakaleō (see note on 1:3).

Confirm The Greek word used here, kyroō, is a legal term meaning “to affirm” or “to ratify” (see Gal 3:15 and note). In forgiving the offender, the Corinthian church will validate their love (agapē in Greek) as a community.

2:9 I could know your proven character Paul reveals another reason for writing his painful letter (2 Cor 2:3–4): He wanted to see if they would obey him and discipline the individual requiring rebuke. In disciplining the offender, the Corinthian church demonstrated respect for Paul’s apostolic authority.

2:10 I also do In case the Corinthian church was worried that they would offend Paul by forgiving the one who offended him, Paul assures them that they will not. Anyone they forgive, Paul also forgives.

2:11 Satan The Corinthians’ forgiveness of the individual will restore unity in the church and ensure that Satan cannot take advantage of any division. Paul mentions Satan’s activity several times in the Corinthian letters (1 Cor 5:5; 7:5; 2 Cor 4:4; 6:15; 11:14; 12:7).

Satan in the Old Testament and the Serpent of Genesis 3

2:12 Troas A city located on the coast of the Aegean Sea in modern Turkey. While Paul was in Troas, he received a vision and concluded that he should preach the gospel in Macedonia (Acts 16:8–10).

by the Lord Paul defends his change of travel plans by emphasizing God’s active intervention in his life. This in turn contributes to Paul’s defense of his ministry (see 2 Cor 2:14 and note).

2:13 did not experience rest Paul considered this unrest as part of his suffering on behalf of believers (11:28).

Titus A Gentile missionary companion of the Apostle Paul (Gal 2:1, 3; 2 Tim 4:10). Paul sent Titus to Corinth with his earlier distressed letter (2 Cor 2:3–4; 7:13–15; 12:18) and again with 2 Corinthians (8:16–17). See note on Titus 1:4.

Macedonia Paul wrote 2 Corinthians from Macedonia (Acts 20:1–2). See note on 2 Cor 1:16.

2:14 leads us in triumphal procession May refer to a procession in which the ark of the covenant would be brought into Jerusalem (e.g., Psa 68), but most likely refers to a Roman victory parade. Despite his suffering, Paul is confident in his victory through Christ (see note on 2 Cor 1:7).

2:15 aroma of Christ May allude to a Roman victory parade, in which people burned incense and presented spices along the route. Alternatively, Paul could be thinking of aromas associated with sacrifices (e.g., Phil 4:18; Eph 5:12).

being saved and among those who are perishing The Corinthians categorized people according to their status and wealth (see 1 Cor 1:26). Paul ignores these categories and asserts that there are only two. See 1 Cor 1:18 and note.

2:16 who is qualified Paul later answers this question by showing that his sufficiency comes from God (see 2 Cor 3:5 and note).

2:17 who peddle the word of God In contrast to the false apostles mentioned in 11:1–14, Paul did not accept any payment from the Corinthian church (11:7, 9; 12:13–16).

pure motives See note on 1:12.